as in convinces
to cause (someone) to think or believe something by using methods that make a person unable to think normally
Terrorists brainwashed the prisoners. Does advertising brainwash children?
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainwashes
Verb
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Alanya, a fitness influencerand Hana’s crush, convinces her to join an intense physical transformation program.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
9 Apr. 2026 -
In Episode 5, DJ convinces her mother to join her on a beloved reality show.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Whale lusts after a hunky gardener (Brendan Fraser) and persuades him to pose for a few sketches; Julian, though bisexual, expresses no such interest in Lori, and any art-making turns out to be a gratifyingly mutual endeavor.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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The confidence heuristic explains why certainty persuades us.—
Nick Dothée,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Peace Love Mahjong tiles and accessories combine beautiful design with high-quality materials, turning a classic game into a stylish experience that brings friends and community together.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
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Forward Rieger Lorenz #14 of the Denver Pioneers brings the puck up ice as defenseman Luca Fantilli #63 of the Michigan Wolverines defends on Thursday night.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Held shortly after the Oscar nominations announcement and shortly before the final round of voting, a mere 90 miles from Los Angeles in a coastal city that is home (or second-home) to many Academy members, the fest annually attracts a sizable number of top contenders.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Apr. 2026
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Other Ways To Get Rid Of Roaches The best way to keep roaches away is to remove what attracts these pests, like food and water.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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During the week, Elmer shops for used Nikes, New Balances and other sneakers at thrift stores, then sells them in front of the neighborhood convenience store on the weekends.—
Wendi C. Thomas,
ProPublica,
15 Apr. 2026
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Angelika Zaber is a gardening expert working for Online Turf, which sells turf, soil, seed, and lawn care products.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Loot boxes in the crosshairs James alleges Valve entices players to pay for a chance to win a rare virtual item, and that those rare items can be traded for real money in accordance with their rarity.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
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Your starter entices with a spicy-tangy flavor, leading into the classic roasted chicken entree.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The condition induces pain that is disproportionate to the actual initial injury.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
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Played in full, Silent Way induces a pervasive nausea, reveling in gawky soundscapes that seem barely able to contain their outsized, clashing ideas.—
Maxie Younger,
Pitchfork,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In its most ambitious set, PowerUp Toys' Starflux Balsa Wood RC Airplane Kit delivers a hands-on experience where each step influences success in the air.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Apr. 2026
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That consequently influences much of the rest of the curriculum.—
Abby McCloskey,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Brainwashes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainwashes. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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